A dual diagnosis disorder can make recovery more complex. At, The Living Room at Princeton, our substance use disorder treatment program in NJ we provide thoughtful, individualized treatment for addiction and co-occurring conditions.
Learn more about what makes a dual diagnosis and how they are treated in this article.
Dual Diagnosis Explained: When Mental Health and Substance Use Overlap
If you or a loved one are struggling with both emotional distress and substance use, you may be wondering what that really means and how to get help.
A dual diagnosis is given to a person living with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD) at the same time. These conditions affect one another and often become deeply connected.
At The Living Room, a New Jersey outpatient and detox-focused treatment center for teens and adults, care is built around helping people become more aware of what drives suffering.
Here, we focus on how to move toward balance through integrated support for mental health and substance use.
Find out what dual diagnosis treatment is, why it happens, and how recovery works better when both conditions are treated together.
What Is Dual Diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis (also called co-occurring disorders or comorbidity) occurs when someone has both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time.
Common examples of dual diagnosis include:
- Depression and alcohol use disorder
- Anxiety disorders and drug use
- Bipolar disorder and substance misuse
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and opioid use
When these conditions exist together, they can make each other worse. Mental health symptoms increase cravings, and substance use increases emotional instability. This creates a cycle that is hard to break without proper care.
Why Mental Health and Substance Use Are So Connected
Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to escape emotional pain. This is often described as trying to self-medicate. Temporary relief may come from substance use, but over time it changes brain chemistry and increases mental health symptoms.
Substance abuse can:
- Worsen anxiety and mood swings
- Increase impulsivity
- Disrupt sleep
- Interfere with emotional regulation
Mental illness can:
- Increase cravings
- Lower coping skills
- Raise relapse risk
- Make withdrawal symptoms harder to tolerate
This back-and-forth cycle is what makes targeted dual diagnosis treatment so important.
Who Is at Risk for Dual Diagnosis?
Some people are more vulnerable due to a mix of life experience and biology. Common risk factors for developing a dual diagnosis include:
- Family history of mental illness
- Trauma or stressful events
- Early drug or alcohol use
- Chronic stress
- Lack of social support
- Untreated mental health conditions
According to national survey data from governmental and national institute sources, adolescents and young adults are especially vulnerable to developing substance use problems alongside mental health disorders.
Common Symptoms of Dual Diagnosis
Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of addiction and mental health condition a person has.
Because two conditions are happening at once, symptoms may feel confusing or overwhelming. People with dual diagnosis may experience:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or panic
- Cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Trouble concentrating
- Changes in behavior
- Isolation from family members
- Worsening mental health problems
Loved ones may notice shifts in energy, sleep, or emotional stability before the person does.
Why Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment Matters
Trying to treat substance abuse without addressing mental health, or vice versa, rarely works long-term. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment means both conditions are treated at the same time by the same care team.
This approach helps:
- Reduce relapse risk
- Stabilize emotions
- Improve motivation
- Strengthen long-term recovery
Integrated care recognizes that healing happens when the whole person is supported.
What Dual Diagnosis Treatment Looks Like
A complete treatment plan for co-occurring disorders may include:
- Detox and detoxification to manage physical withdrawal
- Behavioral therapy to build coping skills
- Psychiatric care for mood disorders or serious mental illness
- Peer support and support groups
- Medication when needed
- Family involvement
Treatment can happen through inpatient, residential treatment, or outpatient care depending on severity.
How Families Can Help Loved Ones With Dual Diagnosis
Family members often feel confused, scared, or helpless when their loved one is struggling with mental or behavioral health. You can support a loved one by:
- Encouraging them to get professional help
- Avoiding blame or shame
- Learning about dual diagnosis
- Seeking a referral to a treatment center
- Staying involved in care
Recovery works best when loved ones are part of the process.
Disclaimer: This page is for education only and is not a medical disclaimer or diagnosis. A mental health professional or healthcare provider should always evaluate symptoms and create an individualized treatment program.
Find Support for Dual Diagnosis at The Living Room
If you or a loved one are living with both emotional distress and substance use, help is available. At The Living Room, teens and adults receive outpatient care and detox services that focus on restoring balance, awareness, and stability.
Sources:
- Co-Occurring Disorders — National Institute of Mental Health
- Dual Diagnosis — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Mental Health and Substance Use — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)